Shonen Anime in Japan: Is It Really Declining or Just Looking Different?

Over the past few decades, shonen anime in Japan has undergone significant transformations. The decline in circulation has been a topic of discussion, with popular publications hitting their peak in the 1990s but witnessing a gradual drop in readership. Many argue that the shonen genre is on the decline as weekly circulations have dropped from nearly 6.5 million in 1995 to around 1.5 million in 2020.

Is Shonen Anime Truly Declining?

However, this narrative seems to overlook the rising popularity of shonen anime series that have broken records. For instance, Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen have consistently garnered massive fan bases and have set new benchmarks in the industry. Current trends suggest that the genre is not in decline but rather experiencing a different form of growth. These contemporary shonen titles speak to a new generation of viewers, satisfying modern tastes and preferences.

The Shonen Anime Landscape Today

While it is true that the volume of shonen anime series released each month has increased, this does not necessarily indicate a decline. Instead, it reflects a more segmented and diverse audience. For some viewers, including myself, picky and intolerant ones, certain elements in modern shonen anime may be off-putting. Factors such as excessive gore, fan service, and unrealistic character designs can turn off fans who prefer a different style.

Common Off-putting Elements in Modern Shonen Anime

There are several common elements in modern shonen anime that can be seen as antithetical to traditional tastes. These include:

Gore: Some series feature graphic violence and gore, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Excessive Fan Service: These scenes often serve to gratify the male gaze, which some fans find problematic. Realistic and Undesirable Character Designs: Some series make their good-looking characters look unattractive, which can be visually jarring. Excessive Mutilation or Amputations: Showing characters with amputated or mutilated limbs can be disturbing for some viewers. Harem Plots and Infidelity: These plotlines can be unrealistic and don't align with every viewer's preferences. Unappealing Main Characters: Characters with unattractive or unlikable appearances can deter some viewers, such as My Hero Academia's Saitama.

As a result, while the shonen genre continues to produce a plethora of new series, my consumption of these newer works is limited. However, I do make an exception for My Hero Academia, which manages to capture a diverse audience and maintain high viewership due to its balanced approach to these elements.

Conclusion

The debate over the decline of shonen anime is complex. While circulation figures may indicate a shift, the genre's sustained popularity and the emergence of critically acclaimed titles suggest that it is evolving rather than diminishing. Viewers, especially those with specific preferences, need to navigate this diverse landscape carefully, choosing content that aligns with their tastes and allowances.